July 6th, 2025: The Boy Jesus In The Temple | Luke 2:41-52

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 

(John 8:58).

There are many areas in scripture where the text leaves us wondering and wishing for more information. What we know is that whatever scripture is given us it is relevant for our needs and it is enough. What we cannot do, as much as we’d like to, is add information, fill in blanks, and teach things that are not included in scripture as God’s word. As you research and follow commentaries/lessons (including ours), read the Word for yourself. Ask God to direct your thinking and to help you understand and apply appropriately. Be aware that poetic, artistic, and theatrical license allows for ideas to be shared that might not actually be in the text of the Bible.

Read carefully! Some general rules to remember when studying scripture are:

• Scripture is not individualized. It is imperative to use context and word definitions from the appropriate time period to reason meaning. Most of the Bible is understood literally (it means exactly what it says). Be wary of those who try to change what scripture says by using metaphorical or symbolic interpretation, where it is not called for. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20).

  
  

• Scripture is not subject to cultural rules or socially accepted norms. Its meaning is the same for all generations and time periods. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16).

  
  

•  Scripture often clarifies itself and teaches us how to properly apply and understand the Word of God. If scripture tells us what a verse means, then we cannot change that meaning to suit our ideas or opinions. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2: 15),

  
  

• There are consequences to changing His word and causing others to fall away. Specifically in the book of Revelation,  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22: 18-19).

  
  

Every account in scripture is there for a reason. Today’s lesson is no different. Jesus became man, was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, and began His ministry at the age of 30. The only account in scripture we have of Jesus’ growing-up years is from Luke chapter 2.

What we do know is that the account we study today has significance. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

(Hebrews 2: 16-18). 

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

There are many and varied stories outside of scripture that claim all sorts of things about Jesus’ early years. Many involve the frivolous use of Godly power and question if Jesus knew that He was the Son of God. We know that God is not foolish and does not do things frivolously or for show. We also know that God’s plan of salvation through the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, was the sacrifice for all men. The Bible, our ultimate source of knowledge, says very little about Jesus’ early years, therefore, what is recorded in scripture is what is important for us to know. 

Joseph and Mary went  up to Jerusalem every year for the feast of the Passover. His earthly family was actively striving to keep the requirements of the law. 

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. (Exodus 12: 12-14).

This year, in their midst, was Jesus. The same Jesus, Son of God, whose blood would cover sin and restore mankind through access to God through faith in His name.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

 It was customary to walk in groups (caravans) or families when traveling great distances.  Nazareth was about 75 miles from Jerusalem, making this roughly a four-day trip. Notice the 12-year-old Jesus tarried behind. During feasts, many of the religious leaders, doctors of the law, would hold sessions for religious questions and instruction. Jesus deliberately tarried behind... deliberately stayed. Why? We are not told, but we may have some clues.   

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

Three days Jesus was missing. Significant? There will be a future three days, when Jesus will be in the tomb. When He rose, He established a new testament, or covenant, that would change everything.  Do those in the temple at this time understand who and what is coming? The Religious experts are present, and Jesus is sitting among them. Sitting, not standing; submissively hearing and asking them questions. Ever wonder who could have been there in that crowd of doctors? Could a younger Annas or Caiaphas have been in this crowd? Maybe Joseph of Arimathea, Gamaliel, or Nicodemus? We don’t know. The Bible doesn’t say. What we do know is that those who heard Jesus were astonished at His understanding and answers. Jesus knew the Torah and the prophets.  They would remember this young lad! 

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

Mary and Joseph found Jesus, and they were amazed and confused. Notice a respectful reminder from Jesus to Mary. As parents, we understand the fear and the sorrow of having lost track of Jesus. Jesus respectfully reminded them of what God had made clear to them before and after His birth. Jesus knew God was His father. He had a purpose for being in the temple. He was already walking in obedience to His Father. What specifically was He doing? Laying groundwork, getting them ready with questions they hadn’t thought of, dispelling wrong ideas? We don’t know.  What we do know is that Jesus knew at age 12 that  He is God’s son.  

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Jesus went with them to Nazareth. He submitted himself to their authority in keeping with the law of Moses. Mary and Joseph remember the circumstances of His birth, but neither of them fully understood what is yet to come - how could they? As Mary kept these sayings in her heart, could she have been remembering the words of Simeon during Jesus' early days in the temple?   

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2: 34-35).

We don’t know. What we do know is that Jesus knew the law (which astonished the scholars of that day) and that the Son of God was in submission to his heavenly and earthly parental authority. 

 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Jesus grew up (affected by the same feelings and flesh as every man on earth) and remained in favor with God and with man. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4 :14-16).

Jesus was all God and all Man. Impossible for us to fully understand. His Heavenly Father was pleased with him, and His earthly father and the people around Jesus were impressed with him as well. 

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!